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Cheryl wanted a toy for her five month old baby and ended up putting £100 in a machine (Picture: BPM)

A mother has lashed out after she failed to win a toy despite putting £100 into a claw machine at an arcade.

Cheryl Holden, 34, wanted to win the teddy bear for her son, Ashton, who is five months old, while on holiday at Camber Sands Holiday Park, East Sussex.

The machine cost £1 for four goes but after pumping nearly £40 into the machine she complained to staff.

She claimed that they looked at the machine and adjusted a setting then on the next go she won a Dumbo cuddly toy.

Cheryl claimed that the staff member adjusted the machine’s settings again immediately after.

But then she wanted a second toy for her child so put another £60 into the machine over the next few days.

She complained again.

She said: ‘I was not abusive or anything. I raised my voice because I was angry but I was trying to make it clear to other parents it’s not possible to win a teddy bear and it’s rigged.’

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While complaining she noticed the manager’s personal phone number in an office at the site so rang him.

She said: ‘I phoned the manager, I asked when would this be getting resolved. He said, “How did you get my number?”

‘He laughed it off and said my complaint form won’t get me anywhere.’ He said, “You can put as much money in, £100, but you still won’t win it.’

She said that she has been going to the park since she was a toddler, has always enjoyed her time there and still holds it in high regard but the amusements’ teddy trouble has left her bemused and frustrated for little Ashton.

She said: ‘My son is five months old, but if he was old enough, he would probably be upset.’

The amusement arcade is operated by Playnation.

Playnation’s company’s people and social responsibility director said he would not be able to comment on Ms Holden’s claims until he has ‘completed a thorough investigation’.

He added: ‘Please be advised that Playnation Limited is a professional organisation which takes all customer complaints seriously.

‘We operate in a highly regulated sector and are licensed by the Gambling Commission and the Local Authority to do so we take our licence obligations very seriously.

‘We are fully committed to keeping crime out of gaming, ensuring gambling is conducted in a fair and open way and to protecting children and other vulnerable adults from being harmed or exploited.’